Tina Patricia Perreira

Tina’s passion for life was evident in her enthusiasm for everything she did. Although the length and color of her hair might change daily (she loved wigs), the broadness of her smile always stayed the same. She took a genuine interest in everyone that she met. Even if she would get a name incorrect, which sometimes happened, her natural approachability won her many friends. She had a large circle of friends in Buckeye, AZ who, along with her life-long friends from NYC and her lengthy conversations with her daughter, were an important part of her daily life. Everyone she came in contact with, from the Optum Community Center to the Goodwill that she shopped at were blessed by her kindness.

Tina was independent and resolute. As a young woman, she became a professional dancer and trained with Alvin Ailey in order to pay her way through nursing school. She graduated from CCNY. Later, she and her friend Joyce ran a Bible phone service where they would provide counseling and prayer over the phone for those in need. She was a woman of God who knew her Bible and talked with God daily.

Tina loved being active! She enjoyed shopping, especially at Goodwill, visiting the Optum Community Center, going to the movies, seeing live theater, and watching Perry Mason. She was an avid pet lover who lived with seven dogs. Though she was born a city girl, she loved living in rural Buckeye, AZ.

Tina is survived by her daughter, Lauren Agnew, sons Bryan, Michael, Kelly, and Latee Perreira; sisters, Toni and Terri Perreira and numerous cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents, Loretta C. and Augustus J. Perreira, Sr., and brother fallen police officer Augustus J. Perreira.